Schladming ski resort, with its 170kms of pisted runs, is located south of Salzburg in the Dachstein ski region. Whether you are looking for the challenge of the fastest World Cup downhill or wide beginner and intermediate runs through thick pine forests, whether you seek the excitement of skiing on the Dachstein Glacier or the serenity of one of the most extensive cross-country areas in Austria - it's all available in Schladming.

Situated at 749m above sea level, Schladming, the hub of the area, is nestled around a traditional town centre, with great shopping, nightlife and restaurants all within a five-minute walk of the main lifts. There are over 3,500 beds in total with a host of lodging options.

Schladming's 170kms of manicured slopes are divided into 28 per cent beginner runs; 61 per cent intermediate; and 11 per cent advanced. There are 84 ski lifts with a 97,000-skier capacity. The longest run is 7.7kms and Schladming also has 20kms of excellent cross-country skiing. The resort is becoming a favourite with snowboarders for its wide-open pistes, three half-pipes and snowboard school.

Other winter activities and facilities include: a moonlight toboggan run down a hairpin road; hiking; a natural ice rink, with skating and curling; ice-climbing; snowshoeing; paragliding; horse-sleigh rides; ballooning; bowling; and a sports centre with swimming pool, solarium, tennis and squash. Several bars and discos make up Schladming's nightlife.

The best skiing can be had from February to mid-March and there are special deals in the middle of January, and from mid-March to April.

The most popular and convenient option for getting to Schladming ski resort is to fly into Salzburg or Munich airports and get a train connection to the resort; you'll need to take a taxi, bus or shuttle to Salzburg train station. Munich Airport has a rail terminal but many travellers prefer to hire a car.